Copy of a set of two Roman strigils, Europe, 1880-1920

Set of two strigils on ring, bronze, 1880-1920 copy of Roman original, 200BC to 200AD

Part of the bathing and personal hygiene routine in ancient Rome involved cleaning the body with oil. Having rubbed the oil in, a strigil was used to scrape away any excess as well as any dead skin and dirt. Athletes also used strigils to remove dirt, dust and oil from their bodies after exercise. This was sometimes bottled and sold as a medical treatment called gloios to relieve aches, pains and sprains.

This is a typical example made from bronze with a claw-like shape. The original dates from 200 BCE-200 CE.